A wave of runners clad in colorful T-shirts provided a powerful start Saturday for fundraising efforts of the United Way of Tuscarawas County.

About 140 people participated in the 5K run or 1-mile walk in warm, sunny conditions. About 40 of them registered just prior to the 7 p.m. start of the fifth annual United Way Rock-N-Run.

Steve Slates, of the Sherrodsville area, lined up in the front row of runners.

“I’ve been in it every year,” he said.

He said his wife, Wendy, works at Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union, which joins Mark’s Place Healthy is Beautiful 10K as the primary sponsors.

“We like to support it,” Slates said about United Way. He said his wife is injured, and this was the first time she didn’t run in the event.

Afterward, the kickoff event for the fall fundraising campaign continued in nearby Wabash Lanes.

“We wanted an event that’s more friendly for the whole family, with options for those who may be intimidated by a 5K run,” said Robin Waltz, UW Community Resources Coordinator. “Wabash Lanes contacted us about the Rock-N-Run. They’re donating all proceeds from tonight to United Way. They’ve been very helpful in setting up this after-party where people can get something to eat, bowl or dance and listen to the music of Electric Mud.”

For a $5 donation, people could attend the event that included a silent auction before ending at 11 p.m.

She said she expects the kickoff to raise more than $10,000, as nearly 30 area businesses contributed. Last year’s event generated $7,000.

“That’s terrific,” she said. “And we had great help from about 60 volunteers.”

Walsh called this year’s United Way Campaign goal of $600,000 “aggressive.” Last year’s goal was met at $565,000.

Miles Riley serves as chairman for the UW Campaign, which raises funds to help 19 health and human services programs in the county.

“Over the past few years, we haven’t raised the goal very much,” Riley said. “The donations just weren’t available because of the recession. We wanted to make this year’s goal even higher, but we realize we need to go up in steps.

“The need is there. Even this isn’t enough — there’s still more people who need the assistance that United Way funds. But we’re working on it. Seeing these people show up today and how successful this is turning out to be, I see a good future and a good growth pattern emerging with this.”